Industry Ink: SXSW, Locash, William Lee Golden, Omer Netzer

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Ashley Cooke, Koe Wetzel & Parker McCollum Chat At SXSW

Parker McCollum, Ashley Cooke and Koe Wetzel

After performing at Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW in Austin, Ashley Cooke, Parker McCollum and Koe Wetzel spent some time backstage together.

 

Locash Make Savannah Bananas History With Sold-Out Show

Locash performs at first-ever Banana Ball halftime show at NFL Stadium. Photo: BigRed

Locash made their mark in the cult-favorite Savannah Bananas history books over the weekend with the first ever Banana Ball halftime show at NFL Stadium. Performing together at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the crew brought their undeniable energy to a sold-out crowd of 65,000 fans.

 

William Lee Golden & The Goldens Inducted Into North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame

Oak Ridge Boy, Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Opry member William Lee Golden and his family band The Goldens were inducted into the 28th Annual North American Country Music Association International over the weekend. They joined fellow honorees Billy Dean, Marty Raybon (of Shenandoah) and Mark Wills. William Lee, his son Chris, and his granddaughter Elizabeth Golden took the stage at the event, performing several songs before their official induction.

 

Omer Netzer Inks With White Knuckle Productions

Omer Netzer has signed a management deal with Oscar Chavira and White Knuckle Productions. Born in Nahariya, Israel, Netzer grew up surrounded by music, heavily influenced by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams and Elvis, an uncommon soundtrack for a kid in Israel.

Following his service in the Israeli military, Netzer turned to songwriting, and his music quickly gained traction, producing three Israeli radio hits and earning him the title of Israel’s Top Musical Artist. His rising success led to performances across Europe and Asia and he later relocated to Nashville to chase his country dreams.

Tim Beeding Joins Wasserman Music Nashville As SVP/Fairs & Festivals

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Tim Beeding

Nashville-based Tim Beeding has joined Wasserman Music as SVP, Fairs & Festivals, where he will co-lead the division alongside fellow Wasserman Music SVP Shannon Casey. Beeding previously served as an agent at CAA for over two decades, representing a wide array of artists.

Wasserman Music has hired two other executives across its growing Fairs & Festivals, Tour Marketing and worldwide agent teams well. Los Angeles-based Doug Singer joins as VP on Wasserman Music’s global agent team, where he will represent artists including Vince Staples, SiR, Saint Levant, Majid Jordan, Sleigh Bells and others. Singer previously served as a Partner in WME’s music division.

Chloe Garcia will work in the Los Angeles office and joins as Director of Tour Marketing, reporting to SVP Marketing Sam Alpert, where she will help drive the ongoing expansion of Wasserman Music’s global client service offerings. Garcia previously served as Tour Marketing Agent at WME, executing global tour marketing campaigns for dozens of acts. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim, Doug, and Chloe to Team Wass as our business continues to expand and thrive around the world, and our commitment to serving our clients remains unmatched,” says Wasserman Music President Lee Anderson. “Each of them is a highly regarded leader in their area of expertise, and all of them are exceptional humans we’re proud to call colleagues and partners.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dierks Bentley & Stephen Wilson Jr. Team Up For Disc Of The Day

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Dierks Bentley & Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Houston Cofield

There’s some definite stretching of country music’s boundaries today in DISClaimer.

Proven country winner Don Louis is pushing in an R&B direction. Madeline Edwards & DJ Logan Garrett are taking country music onto the EDM dancefloor. Willie Jones continues to agitate for some kind of hip-hop fusion sound. Americana favorite Valerie June takes a simple country ditty and dresses it up in her kookie, delightful sonic weirdness.

Despite competition from Blake Shelton, Warren Zeiders, Caylee Hammack and Mitchell Tenpenny, Dierks Bentley & Stephen Wilson Jr. emerge holding aloft the Disc of the Day prize thanks to their “Cold Beer Can.”

Stephen Wilson Jr. had a big week. He also had credits in this stack with his oldie revival of “Stand By Me” and his songwriting collaborations on the Caylee and Dierks tracks. Is it any wonder that he claims a DISCovery Award?

STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Stand By Me”
Writers: Ben E. King/Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller; Producers: Adam Blank, Ben West; Label: Big Loud Records
– This beloved oldie was immortalized by Ben E. King in 1961 and has been performed by many others since. This dark-voiced, dramatic, bluesy fan-favorite performer offers a soulful, gripping, ear catching revival that compels you to hear it in a brand-new way. Recorded live with just plucked acoustic-guitar accompaniment, the performance shows you why this guy has 20 million social views and a sold-out string of tour dates this year.

KASSI ASHTON & PARKER McCOLLUM / “Sounds Like Something I’d Say”
Writers: Barry Dean/Jon Randall/Kassi Ashton; Producers: Kassi Ashton, Luke Laird; Label: MCA Nashville
– This is a drowsy, morning-after ballad of fuzzy memories and a dreamy hook-up. Ashton’s bruised alto brushes up against McCollum’s dusky drawl nicely.

DON LOUIS / “Look What You Made Me Do”
Writers: David Ray Stevens/Don Louis/Kipp Williams; Producer: Kipp Williams; Label: Money Myers Entertainment/EMPIRE
– His cool baritone voice has previously proven itself as an able honky-tonk instrument. On this sultry, mid-tempo, hooky toe tapper, Louis stirs a big helping of R&B into his audio stew. It’s terrifically catchy, although not all that “country” sounding.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Relapse”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Justin Ebach/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: Warner Records
– Zeiders rocks out on this summertime jam. The “relapse” he’s talking about isn’t about substance abuse. It’s about re-living a faded romance and wanting it back. As always, he brings earnest passion to the performance.

CROWE BOYS / “Bootstraps”
Writer: Ocie Crowe; Producer: Andrew Campanelli; Label: UMG Nashville
– These New Orleans brothers have an acoustic-based, strummy, folkie style that is utterly captivating. Snappy percussion slaps around a rousing, tuneful, sing-along track. The duo (Wes and Ocie Crowe) is graduating from indie, grassroots success with “Where Did I Go Wrong” to this major-label leap of faith.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Let Him In Anyway”
Writers: Carson Wallace/Kyle Clark/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Still one of our finest country singers, Shelton brings some strong emotion to this ballad. He mourns the death of his best buddy and begs God to open Heaven’s doors. A tasteful, piano-based production frames his plea perfectly.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “No I Ain’t”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Mark Trussell/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Nashville
– I’m always eager to hear anything this gifted lady does. She never disappoints. This time out, she’s resisting the invitations of a heartless beau who uses her but doesn’t love her. The lilting track and steady, subtle percussion carry along her intimate, pained delivery. I remain a massive fan.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Same Moon”
Writers: Dallas Wilson/Derrick Southerland/Mitchell Tenpenny/Paul DiGiovanni; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Mitchell Tenpenny; Label: Riser House Entertainment/Columbia Nashville
– Smooth rolling pleasure. The terrific track drops dollops of chiming guitar, thumpy percussion, piano chords and a gorgeous echoey atmosphere into a gently swirling pool of sound. Amidst it all is Tenpenny’s soft, romantic tenor vocal. This is one  enchanting little record.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Picture Perfect”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox/Seth Ennis; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Dreaming of life together and of becoming successful down the road with a house, kids, land and years of memories. Sweetly sung.

DIERKS BENTLEY & STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Cold Beer Can”
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producers: Mary Hilliard Harrington, Jon Randall, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Wilson’s bluesy drawl and strong guitar work strongly color this duet performance. It salutes blue-collar friendship, family ties, romantic events, brotherhood and life’s best moments. “Money can’t buy what a cold beer can,” they sing. Amen, bro’s. Sing on.

VALERIE JUNE / “Sweet Things Just for You”
Writer: Valerie June Hockett; Producer: M. Ward; Label: Concord Records
– This wonderfully unclassifiable stylist is jaunty, light-hearted and innocent sounding on this simple country love ditty. Ticklish-sounding acoustic guitar, childlike backing vocals and a double-tracked lead vocal that is not quite in sync add up to a quirky listening experience. There is something kinda joyful about her.

WILLIE JONES / “Silverado”
Writers: Brandon Day/Rufio Hooks/Willie Jones; Producer: Willie Jones; Label: Gravel Road
– Jones debuts on a new label with a good-time hip-hop banger with tiny flecks of actual instruments mixed in with the electronic beats. The minimalist lyric is repeated unceasingly. Beyond the reference to a truck, I fail to hear what is “country” about this.

DJ LOGAN GARRETT & MADELINE EDWARDS / “Take Me Down”
Writers: Kyle Featherstone/Logan Garrett/Madeline Edwards; Producers: Kyle Featherstone, Logan Garrett; Label: Background Energy
– Nashville native DJ Logan Garrett creates what he calls “country house” music. Teaming up ace vocalist Madeline Edwards he has a dance-addict’s dream in this rampaging bundle of beats. She says, “If this isn’t on the top of every hot girl’s Peloton playlist, I will rage.” Garrett was previously noted for his “I Had Some Help” Morgan Wallen remix.

Wyatt Flores Extends ‘Welcome Back To The Plains Tour’

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Wyatt Flores has extended his “Welcome Back To The Plains Tour” into summer.

Newly confirmed stops on the tour include Grand Junction, Colorado’s Warehouse 25 Sixty-Five, Emigrant, Montana’s The Old Saloon and Sandy, Utah’s Sandy Amphitheater.

Tickets for the new dates are available for pre-sale starting now, with general on-sale following this Friday, March 21. A dollar from each ticket sold will go to support the Red Dirt Relief Fund.

In addition to the upcoming headline dates, Flores will also join 49 Winchester for an extensive tour across the U.K. and Europe this fall. Flores has garnered over 325 million streams to date and was highlighted as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s latest “American Current” exhibit.

Jeffrey Steele & Friends Support At-Risk Youth Through 18th Annual Benefit

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The 18th annual Jeffrey Steele & Friends benefit concert took place March 3 at The Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

The event was hosted by The BIG 615’s Storme Warren and Casey LeVasseur, and featured a packed surprise lineup that included Craig Morgan, Aaron Lewis, John Rich, Phil Vassar, Jessi Alexander, Keith Anderson, Angie Aparo, Charles Esten, Aaron Lewis, Lil’Skinny, Silence X Noise and Bridgette Tatum.

The evening’s performers played alongside Steele and his band for a night of incredible music and fundraising including group performances of “She’s Country” and “Every Day.” The night featured historic highs for the event, raising over $240,000 in donations, pushing the fund over the $2 million mark in dollars raised and continuing the mission of Steele and his family to support overlooked and at-risk youth in Middle Tennessee and beyond in the memory of Steele’s son Alex, who passed away in 2007.

“There was a time when we didn’t think we could get through one day without Alex, let alone 18 years,” says The LeVasseur Family. “The sting of grief does not stop, yet somehow we keep walking forward. One step at a time. Largely due to the help of all the friends who help to make Jeffrey Steele & Friends possible. Over these last 18 years this community has joined us in building a legacy to honor Alex and because of that we have raised over $2 million to help nonprofits in our area who are championing our youth and the kids of our community and in other neighborhoods and communities across the country to share Alex’s heart and giving spirit to those who need it most with our mission of supporting overlooked and at-risk youth through passionate activity and strong role models.”

The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund has been able to build partnerships and lend support to youth-focused organizations including the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s Teen Center, Skatepark and Y-CAP programs for at-risk youth, The Beat of Life and their youth-based music programming, The Skate Park Project nonprofit led by Tony Hawk which supports building skateparks across the country in the most vulnerable populations, and more. To date, the Fund has supported building 13 skateparks in under-served communities across the country.

Through a partnership with The Beat of Life, the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Scholarship Program has also been established giving vulnerable youth access to music education, instrument lessons and much more. In addition to these projects the LeVasseur Family opened the Alex LeVasseur Music Lab in the Brentwood YMCA Teen Center and Alex LeVasseur Memorial Skatepark. The concrete park located at the Brentwood Family YMCA opened last August.

Hardy Reimagines Tracks On Amazon Music Songline

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Hardy. Photo: Robby Klein

Hardy has unveiled his Amazon Music Songline, an eight-track release featuring reimaginings of his songs including a live version of “Live Forever” and a cover of The 1975’s “Love It If We Made It.” The project will also include fresh takes on tracks “Quit!!,” “Jack,” “Psycho” and “Truck Bed.”

Taped as a part of “Songline,” a new performance series on Amazon Music, the session offers an inside look into Hardy’s songwriting process along with the stories behind the music. Each performance is complete with an interview with the artist, giving him the opportunity to share his thoughts and journey with fans. The full “Songline” docu-performance will release on Mar. 31 on Amazon Music and Hardy’s YouTube.

Additionally, Hardy is gearing up to headline his “Jim Bob World Tour” in arenas and festivals across the country, while also making his European debut. The tour, produced by Live Nation, includes stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City and more. Fans will also see artists such as Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Sikarus and McCoy Moore join Hardy as support.

This upcoming tour will continue the steam built up by the five-time ACM and two-time CMA award winner over the last year. In 2024, Hardy released his No. 1 LP Quit!! and first live LP Hardy (Live From Red Rocks), toured the country, headlined CMA Fest, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and hit 15 No. 1 tracks.

Hardy – Amazon Music Songline Tracklist
1. “QUIT!! (Amazon Music Songline)”
2. “BOOTS (Amazon Music Songline)”
3. “JACK (Amazon Music Songline)”
4. “Love It If We Made It (Amazon Music Songline)”
5. “PSYCHO (Amazon Music Songline)”
6. “A ROCK (Amazon Music Songline)”
7. “LIVE FOREVER (Amazon Music Songline)”
8. “TRUCK BED (Amazon Music Songline)”

Dylan Scott Sets Nashville Pinnacle Show For September

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Dylan Scott. Photo: Robby Klein

Dylan Scott has announced a headlining show at Nashville’s The Pinnacle on September 26.

Special guests George Birge and Mackenzie Carpenter will join Scott on the bill for the evening.

Scott will embark on his headlining “Country Till I Die Tour,” next month, kicking off April 3 in Boston and will hit 17 cities. His current single “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” sits at No. 4 on the country radio charts. The hitmaker is currently the fourth most-played artist at country radio so far this year, behind Morgan Wallen, Post Malone and Jelly Roll.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, March 21 and can be purchased here.

IBMA Reveals Graduating Class of 2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass

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2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has revealed the IBMA Leadership Bluegrass graduating class of 2025. The three-day program invites participants to delve into interactive learning, assess the challenges and opportunities facing the bluegrass music industry and pursue leadership development. The event was hosted at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee from Mar. 10-12 with Jeff Westerinen and Maria Nadauld serving as the course facilitator and assistant facilitator, respectively.

The IBMA also recognizes the 2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Planning Committee composed of Greg Blake, Dustin Boyd, Casey Campbell, Stacy Chandler, Dave Howard, Jordan Laney and IBMA Staff Liaison Haley Grimm.

Participants for the program are chosen through a competitive application process and are a small sampling of current and future leaders from all over the U.S. and the world. Sponsors for the event include BMI and Leadership Bluegrass Alumni.

2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates:
Katherine Bestwick – Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (Zion Grove, PA)
Rick Brodsky – Rock Hearts (Bridgeport, CT)
Jennifer Brooke – Floyd Music School, LLC (Floyd, VA)
Pamela Brown – Oregon Bluegrass Association / Shaniko Music Sanctuary (Shaniko, OR)
Trudy Chandler – Nick Chandler and Delivered (Weaverville, NC)
Sofia Chiarandini – Jacob’s Ladder / Tufts University (Cambridge, MA)
Elizabeth Dewey – International Bluegrass Music Association (Nashville, TN)
Darren Eedens – Taff Rapids / Self (Cardiff, Wales)
Donna Harrison – Chattanooga Tourism Co. (Chattanooga, TN)
Jenny Hirt – Durango Bluegrass Meltdown / KSUT Public Radio (Durango, CO)
Sara Johnson – Vivid Events / Pickin’ In The Peaches Music Festival (Augusta, GA)
Ella Jordan – Ella Jordan Music (Nashville, TN)
Kirk Kenney – China Bluegrass Network (Shanghai, China)
Crystal Lariza – Never Come Down (Hood River, OR)
Jon Lundbom – Central Texas Bluegrass Association (Austin, TX)
Erin Moorman – Syntax Creative (Franklin, TN)
Robbie Morris – Grasstime (Nashville, TN)
Caroline Owens – Billy Blue Records / Billy Blue Publishing (Denton, NC)
Aynsley Porchak – East Tennessee State University (Gate City, VA)
Nancy Posey – Music In Community Network (Brentwood, TN)
Joshua Rilko – Touring Musician (Nashville, TN)
Erin Rouse – Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum (Owensboro, KY)
Mona Salyer – IBMA Foundation Board (Bristol, VA)
Danny Stewart Jr. – U.S. Navy Band / Turtle Hill Banjo Co. / Annapolis Bluegrass (Edgewater, MD)
Zachary Taylor – Planning Stages Inc. (Hixson, TN)
Ross Willits – Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (Roseville, MN)

SMACK Welcomes Mak Symmonds As New Director Of Marketing

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Mak Symmonds

SMACK has hired Mak Symmonds as its new Director of Marketing. In this key role, she will lead marketing efforts across SMACK’s management, label and publishing divisions, driving strategic campaigns to amplify its roster including Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally, Kylie Morgan and Jenna Davis.

Symmonds joins SMACK following seven years in artist management and brand development at Piedmonte & Co., working with Chris Tomlin, Patrick Droney, Redferrin and Chris Renzema. She successfully led major releases, large-scale events, strategic partnerships, and targeted marketing campaigns, elevating artists’ profiles locally and globally.

In her new role, she will collaborate with streaming and digital partners to refine release strategies, stay ahead of industry trends and expand opportunities for SMACK’s artists and writers. Her expertise in crafting personalized strategies ensures long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be adding Mak to the team here at SMACK! She felt like a great fit from the first time we met, and in her short time with us, she’s already proved to be a valuable addition. I can’t wait to see how she and SMACK grow together!” says Robert Carlton, President of SMACK.

“I’m so excited to be joining the SMACK team at such an amazing time in the company’s journey. The accomplishments of SMACK’s artists, writers, and team members are inspiring, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to this legacy,” shares Symmonds. “I look forward to collaborating with the team, helping drive growth, and amplifying the incredible work SMACK is doing across the industry. It’s an honor to take this next step with such a talented and dedicated group of people.”

BMI Reveals 2025 ‘Rooftop On The Row’ Lineup

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BMI has unveiled its yearly “Rooftop On The Row” lineup for the 2025 season.

The series will kickoff on April 28 with Colt Graves, Thomas Edwards and Thebrosfresh. Additional performers throughout the summer include Lukas Nelson, Kaitlin Butts, Tucker Wetmore, Tanner Adell, Vincent Mason, Max McNown and more to be announced.

The invitation-only event takes place upon the BMI rooftop overlooking the Nashville skyline with three hours of music each night, with complimentary cocktails, food, sponsorship activities and more.

“Over the years, BMI’s Rooftop On The Row has become woven into the fabric of our community, offering the music industry an exclusive opportunity to hear BMI’s next wave of artists during a pivotal time in their career,” shares BMI’s AVP Creative Nashville, Mason Hunter. “The exposure and growth of the series has made this a launchpad for artists to forge meaningful connections directly with their audience and industry peers.”

Founded in 2017, BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” series has seen performances from Morgan Wallen, Billy Strings, The War And Treaty, Hardy, K. Michelle, Riley Green, Colbie Caillat, Wyatt Flores, Ella Langley, Maddie and Tae, Locash, Dylan Marlowe, Mitchell Tenpenny and many more.

2025 Rooftop On The Row Lineup:
Apr. 28th – Colt Graves, Thomas Edwards & Thebrosfresh
May 28th – Lukas Nelson & Kaitlin Butts
Jul. 15th – Tucker Wetmore & Tanner Adell
Aug. 12th – Vincent Mason & Max McNown
Sept. 9th – TBA for Americana Fest Kickoff